Prince Ali saluted for his courage as FIFA presidency contender

AMMAN – Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein joined Jordanians and world figures in commending HRH Prince Ali’s “courage and hard work” in campaigning and competing for FIFA presidency.

Though Sepp Blatter was re-elected as FIFA chief for the fifth time, the fact that Prince Ali had the courage to challenge him, putting forward a transparent and aspiring vision for the benefit of football was considered a “sources of pride for all”.

In a Facebook post, His Majesty addressed the prince saying: "My dear brother Prince Ali, you have always been a responsible Hashemite Prince. I followed your efforts throughout your campaign and witnessed your hard work and commitment to elevate the game of football worldwide. The fact that you competed in a formidable manner is a source of pride for Jordan as well as the Arab and international community, and a reflection of your passion towards developing the game of football."

The Crown Prince also expressed support for Prince Ali through Instagram.  

“Prince Ali, I am proud of the courage and commitment that you have shown over the past 4 months; embarking on a noble mission against considerable odds to reclaim football for its fans and restore integrity into the game. #Jordan is proud of you,” Prince Hussein posted. 

Ahead of the vote, Queen Rania had tweeted: “Crunch time now but regardless of how the vote goes, we’re proud of @AliBinAlHussein’s leadership and vision! #AliForFIFA.”

Earlier on Friday, several Jordanians and football figures gathered at Al Hussein Youth City’s Sports Palace.

However, an air of sadness and disappointment dominated the hall following the results. 

Adnan Awad, former national team and Faisali star, said despite the results, he was proud of Prince Ali because he was up to the responsibility he faced. 

He noted that the fact that Asian, including Arab, countries did not support Prince Ali was a complete disappointment. 

Mofeed Hassoneh, a Jordanian sports expert and the head of media department at the Jordan Football Association, said that everyone understood that the election would be an uphill battle, but after the events that took place in the past four days, there was hope that the Prince had a better chance.

Issa Turk, another Jordanian football expert and former player, said he was sad that football federations “voted for corruption”, while Prince Ali wanted football a clean game.  

Mahmoud Assmar, a Jordanian football fan who attended Friday’s gathering, said Prince Ali did not only represent Jordanians during the election race, but also Arabs and people of integrity across the world.

Turk said Jordanians are still winners despite the results. 

The former British ambassador to Jordan, Peter Millet, @PeterMillet1, thanked Prince Ali for his decision to stand for the FIFA presidency.

“Thanks to @AliBinAlHussein for standing for president of #FIFA & trying to bring a new era to world football with great dignity #AliForFIFA,” he said.

Former prime minister, Samir Al Rifai @SamirAlRifai tweeted: “Regardless of final result.73 votes in the 1st round for Prince Ali against 17 yrs of Blatter invincibility is a moral victory.#AliForFIFA.” 

Luís Figo ‏@LuisFigo, the former Portuguese footballer and one of the FIFA presidency candidates who withdrew from the race, said football has lost after the results of the elections.  

“Today, FIFA has lost, but above everything, football has lost and everyone who truly cares about it has lost too,” he tweeted.